Henwood & Dean

Thames wooden boatbuilders maintaining the traditions of the past

Heritage Crafts Association - Maker of the Year Award 2014

Phil Harding presents Colin with the Award for Maker of the Year 2014

Prince Charles, President of the HCA, is quoted on their website as saying “Crafts are such a vital part of our British heritage and I have always been passionately concerned to promote the best aspects of our country’s traditions ― and, equally importantly, to enable these highly specialised skills to be transferred from one generation to the next.”

A new award scheme which supports and rewards excellence in the heritage craft sector, saw Colin Henwood presented with the Heritage Crafts Association’s ‘Maker of the Year’ Award at their annual Spring Conference on 22 March 2014. Held at Carpenters’ Hall, one of the main Livery Companies in the City, the event was well attended by craftsmen and women from all around the country many of whom, like Colin, are regarded as being among the very best in their field.

Colin was presented with his award by archaeologist Dr Phil Harding of Channel 4’s 'Time Team' programme. The conference was entitled ‘Tool Tales’ and all the delegates were encouraged to bring a tool of their trade to display in a pop up exhibition.

Colin took along his Norris smoothing plane which he bought in about 1980 at a market stall in Lymington at the start of his boatbuilding career, and which he still uses regularly and has pride of place in his tool box.

Colin is delighted to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. “I am enormously grateful to the Heritage Crafts Association and to the Wooden Boatbuilders Trade Association who nominated me”. “To be acknowledged in such a way by your peers is a very humbling thing”. Colin intends to use the Award, both the money and recognition that it brings, to help promote craftsmanship especially when it comes to inspiring and encouraging young people who are thinking about a career in making things with their hands.”